Midsection Meltdown

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 23 For me, one of the best parts about getting married during summer has been the extra incentive to tone my core. Next summer, even when I'm not on the fast track to bride-dom, I'm going to keep these abs exercises in my routine to firm up my midsection.

If you're like me, crunches aren't your favorite things on earth (they rank down around boiled brussels sprouts on my list). Believe it or not, these exercises (no crunches!) are actually fun—I first did the Wide-Stance Plank in a yoga class last year, and the instructor encouraged the class to smile through the absurdity of it. I highly recommend doing the same.

Wide-Stance Plank with Opposite Arm and Leg LiftGet into a pushup position. Move your feet out wider than your shoulders. Hold your left foot and your right arm off the floor for 5 to 10 seconds, then switch arms and legs and repeat. That's one rep. Go for 10.

Swiss-Ball Jackknife

Assume a pushup position with your arms straight. Rest your shins on a Swiss ball. Keeping your lower back flat, roll the Swiss ball toward your chest by pulling it forward with your feet. Pause, then return the ball to the starting position by lowering your hips and rolling backwards. That's one rep, try to do 10.

Weighted Russian Twist

Grab an 8-to-10 pound dumbbell, medicine ball, or weighted plate. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat. Brace your core, and rotate your torso to the right as far as you can. Rotate to the left as far as you can. That's one rep, do 20. Photos: Beth BischoffMore from WH: Get Sexy Abs in 30 Days: Join Our Abs Challenge!The Best Foods for Your AbsMelt Belly Fat With These Gold Medal-Worthy Exercises

Look Better Naked: Buy the book to learn how to look (and feel!) your very best.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.